Using everything and the kitchen sink to get the right book into a reader's hands

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Readalikes

Game Description: “Step into a world of discovery, exploration, and adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a boundary-breaking new game in the acclaimed series. Travel across vast fields, through forests, and to mountain peaks as you discover what has become of the kingdom of Hyrule In this stunning Open-Air Adventure.”

Amazon’s Description: “A war fueled by the powers of dark sorcery is about to engulf the peaceful land of Osten Ard—for Prester John, the High King, lies dying. And with his death, the Storm King, the undead ruler of the elf-like Sithi, seizes the chance to regain his lost realm through a pact with the newly ascended king. Knowing the consequences of this bargain, the king’s younger brother joins with a small, scattered group of scholars, the League of the Scroll, to confront the true danger threatening Osten Ard.

Simon, a kitchen boy from the royal castle unknowingly apprenticed to a member of this League, will be sent on a quest that offers the only hope of salvation, a deadly riddle concerning long-lost swords of power. Compelled by fate and perilous magics, he must leave the only home he’s ever known and face enemies more terrifying than Osten Ard has ever seen, even as the land itself begins to die.”

Crossover Appeal:Young Simon and Link are as alike as cousins. Each see their simple lives overturned by forces far beyond their understanding. They are thrust into epic adventures across dangerous lands, learning to survive and how to battle the dark, magical forces that are overtaking their homes. The world of Ostern Ard is as magical and mysterious as the vast world of Hyrule, and the two complement each other nicely.

Amazon’s Description: “To the nobles who live in Benden Weyr, Lessa is nothing but a ragged kitchen girl. For most of her life she has survived by serving those who betrayed her father and took over his lands. Now the time has come for Lessa to shed her disguise—and take back her stolen birthright.

But everything changes when she meets a queen dragon. The bond they share will be deep and last forever. It will protect them when, for the first time in centuries, Lessa’s world is threatened by Thread, an evil substance that falls like rain and destroys everything it touches. Dragons and their Riders once protected the planet from Thread, but there are very few of them left these days. Now brave Lessa must risk her life, and the life of her beloved dragon, to save her beautiful world.”

Crossover Appeal:The world of Pern is vast and mysterious, and McCaffrey’s many books in the world jump across continents and timelines, giving a depth and knowledge to the world that mirrors what longtime players of the Zelda franchise have long experienced with the many different versions of the game. Each book in the series is full of fantastical adventure, striking mysteries, and compelling characters. Dragonflight is a good entry into the world of Pern.

When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.

Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds.

Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands. “

Crossover Appeal:Both Link and Eragon are young adventurers exploring and traveling across strange and magical lands, encountering mysteries and wonders along the way in fantastical settings.

Amazon’s Description: “Dark Horse Books and Nintendo team up to bring you The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia, containing an unparalleled collection of historical information on The Legend of Zelda franchise. This handsome hardcover contains never-before-seen concept art, the full history of Hyrule, the official chronology of the games, and much more! Starting with an insightful introduction by the legendary producer and video-game designer of Donkey Kong, Mario, and The Legend of Zelda, Shigeru Miyamoto, this book is crammed full of information about the storied history of Link’s adventures from the creators themselves! As a bonus, The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia includes an exclusive comic by the foremost creator of The Legend of Zelda manga — Akira Himekawa!”

Crossover Appeal:New and longtime fans will be drawn to this immersive history of the classic game, learning new secrets and fascinating insights into the ever-popular gaming franchise.

Amazon’s Description: “Once upon a time, wizards tried to conquer the Sacred Realm of Hyrule. The Spirits of Light sealed the wizards’ power within the Shadow Crystal and banished them to the Twilight Realm beyond the Mirror of Twilight. Now, an evil menace is trying to find Midna, princess of the Twilight Realm, and the fragments of the Shadow Crystal to gain the power to rule over both the Twilight Realm and the World of Light.”

Crossover Appeal:There have been many manga adaptations of the Zelda games, but this is one of the best, featuring a compelling plot line, great artwork, and a strong fantasy storyline.